This wood deck exhibited a raised area as shown in the featured photograph and Figure 1. Examination under the deck disclosed that the elevation of the beam was not level (Figure 2). Further examination disclosed that the beam was raised… Read More
Archives by Year: 2018
What Were They Thinking?
On occasion we observe a construction detail that causes us to think or even say aloud, “What were they thinking?” Here are a few: Why is this chimney so tall? I’ll bet Santa doesn’t use this chimney. Why are the… Read More
The Importance of Galvanizing Lintels
The featured photograph shows a lintel that was removed from over a door opening. The brick wall is about 45 years old and faces west. The age of the brick veneer and the lintel are not known with certainty, but… Read More
The Importance of Allowing Room for Expansion and Contraction
While waiting at an exit on I-71 for a traffic light to change, I noticed a large vertical split in one of the posts for the guardrail (see feature photo). Being of the forensic persuasion, I gave a quick thought… Read More
Happy Labor Day (2018)
Two thoughts about work from the Bible for this Labor Day: Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, where you go. (Ecc… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 17)
What can we tell from this photograph? This photograph was taken at the base of a wall in a hallway. The vertical and horizontal cracking exhibit sharp edges and relatively clean fracture surfaces indicating that they occurred recently. The horizontal… Read More